Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced that the county has received an $8 million grant to restore Stump Pond in Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown.
The storm of August 18-19, 2024, ravaged the north shore of Long Island. The deluge caused the failure of the old earthen dam in Blydenburgh, emptying Stump Pond.
The proposed replacement dam addresses higher rainfall potentials and will be a higher classification. Romaine said recreational opportunities will soon return to the park, such as fishing and boating.
“Thank you to all the residents who kept up the pressure and spoke in favor of rebuilding the dam,” said Romaine. “This has truly been a community-led process, and this grant from New York State shows just how impactful your voices have been.”